Saturday, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestras and choral groups from all across western Pennsylvania will perform a rousing concert, not at Heinz Hall, but at the sports venue, the Pederson Events Center.

It is the first day of a weeklong celebration of the relationship between music and spirituality. The first concert will involve about 100 symphony musicians and as many as 2,000 singers. It was the brainchild of music director Manfred Honeck.

"In this town, where three rivers come together. In this town, where I find so many people of different faiths being tolerant to each other," Honeck said.

Two years ago, Honeck was relaxing alone in the countryside of his native Austria when the inspiration struck him.

"And it came to my mind, in this city, I have to do something different," Honeck recalls.

And the Concert of Thousands was born. It is not just the famed Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh. There are choirs from churches, high schools, universities and civic groups. Singers range in age from 14 to 85.

A native of Ireland who will soon return to her country is part of the Renaissance City Choir. Laura Marie Totten said, "It is insanely mind-blowing. I think this is one of the most moving events that I ever will be a part of."

And the director emeritus of the Mendelssohn Choir, Robert Page, will conduct the singers, as Honeck brings both singers and musicians together as one.

Page said, "We sing as a diverse group, but we become one when we sing."

And Honeck added, "This is a one-time experience for me personally as a musician, and I am sure it will be for those taking part and for those who listen."

The concert will have tickets at affordable prices, so families can come together to enjoy music ranging from Mahler's Resurrection Symphony to music from the movie, "Schindler's List."

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